#discovering the skivving and hardware was worth the cost buying these

[so-i-did-this-thing]

Last post in this thread -- I'll start a new one for the reproduction.

"But the patina"

Leather patina is super easy to simulate. I'll do a little of it on my repro pair. But this set needs some cleaning and conditioning. I'd like to make them wearable for someone else, assuming I don't cannibalize the specialty hardware.

Took one of the pair apart. Simple construction, obviously wet-formed, but some interesting details.

Primarily 2 pieces joined at the back with a strip to hide the seam on the outside. Reinforcement on the inside along all edges with thin veg tan, then edges burnished.

Skivving for the seam to lay flat on the inside. You could butt stitch this if you hate skivving, I guess.

Chain stitch and tubular rivets. Signs of mass-production vs artisanal. Another reason why I don't mind pulling these apart - not rare. They have ceased being functional, so will have new life in the repros I can make.

Buckles will be easy to find - 2 sizes. Harder: strap alignment hook at the top.

Even harder still: this busk-like metal piece that runs the length of the front opening and latches into the bottom of the joining side. This keeps the opening strong.

Next step is to make a paper pattern, tweak it knowing these are a bit tight on me, and then try a mockup (foam or leather) without any hardware.

Oh ho ho! Appears Siegfried owns both riding boots AND half chaps / gaiters, as seen here. Which I absolutely can make, myself!

(Also note the production in Episode 1 changes his base from shoes to ankle boots once he gets to the paddock, ha ha. Must have learned that muck was going to get in that shoe gap.)

Compare to early 1900s half chaps seen above. Siegfried's pair has an extra buckle, but otherwise appear to be this one-piece wrap design.

This style of half-chaps makes sense for the character, given his service in WW1. See these WW1 cavalry gaiters:

Here's his riding boots, for comparison. A very similar look, but 3 buckles and it's all one boot, instead of a covering.

Similar boots are still produced today, but at $1,700 USD, a bit rich for my blood, especially given I am not currently riding:

I'll be able to make the half-chaps for under $50, just need to check if I have the correct weight leather in my stash. For best results, I'll need to pattern these to my own legs, but I am stoked to turn out a pair!